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Weather & Climate in Altoona, WI
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Altoona has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 270 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 33.0 inches. The area receives 55.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 987 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg | |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 987 ft (301 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,696/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.8000°N, 91.4396°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Eau Claire County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU) 5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane | No Rating |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Very Low |
| Flood | Relatively Moderate |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Moderate |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
305 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF5. Total: 41 fatalities, 377 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF5 | 71 km | 33.7 mi | 21 |
| Jul 30, 1977 | EF4 | 34 km | 19.0 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF4 | 15 km | 11.1 mi | 3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF4 | 14 km | 59.2 mi | 4 |
| Sep 24, 2019 | EF3 | 21 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| May 16, 2017 | EF3 | 76 km | 82.5 mi | 1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 | EF3 | 78 km | 16.0 mi | 0 |
| May 15, 1998 | EF3 | 40 km | 8.0 mi | 0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 | EF3 | 17 km | 10.0 mi | 2 |
| Jul 15, 1980 | EF3 | 7 km | 1.0 mi | 1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 | EF3 | 74 km | 9.1 mi | 0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 | EF3 | 35 km | 49.6 mi | 0 |
| May 26, 1959 | EF3 | 89 km | 34.3 mi | 0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 | EF3 | 27 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 | EF3 | 54 km | 24.4 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 60 km | 3.1 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 72 km | 1.1 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 63 km | 2.8 mi | 0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 | EF2 | 38 km | 7.4 mi | 0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 | EF2 | 78 km | 7.6 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950–2024, US only).
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 acres, 2007).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 2007 | BEAVER CUTOFF | 982 | 84 km |
| 2024 | RX-UPPER SEVENTEEN | 520 | 88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°F (-10°C) | 1.0 in | Coldest |
| February | 19°F (-8°C) | 0.7 in | Driest |
| March | 31°F (-1°C) | 1.8 in | |
| April | 45°F (7°C) | 2.9 in | |
| May | 58°F (14°C) | 3.9 in | |
| June | 67°F (19°C) | 4.2 in | |
| July | 71°F (22°C) | 3.9 in | Warmest |
| August | 69°F (20°C) | 4.3 in | Wettest |
| September | 60°F (15°C) | 4.0 in | |
| October | 48°F (9°C) | 2.4 in | |
| November | 33°F (0°C) | 1.7 in | |
| December | 18°F (-8°C) | 1.1 in |
Altoona has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.7").